John D. Baker, MD Pediatric Ophthalmology Symposium
A Unique Forum for Pediatric Ophthalmology & Adult Strabismus Education
“Baker Day” is annual symposium that brings together pediatric ophthalmologists, orthoptists, fellows, orthoptic students, and ophthalmology residents for a day of case-based learning, collaboration, and connection. Held at Children’s Hospital of Michigan by the Dept of Ophthalmology, Baker Day is a tradition with nearly 40 years of history.
About Baker Day
Founded in the 1980s by John D. Baker, MD, a leader in pediatric ophthalmology, Baker Day was modeled after Joseph Calhoun MD’s “Joe’s Day” at Wills Eye Hospital. Dr. Baker envisioned an informal, collegial setting where pediatric ophthalmologists and orthoptists could gather to learn from one another by sharing challenging and rare pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus cases.
Today, Baker Day continues that tradition — bringing together pediatric ophthalmologists and orthoptists from across Michigan, the Midwest, Ontario, and beyond.
“We spend all day talking about complex cases, learning from each other, and discussing unique approaches.”
– John D. Baker, MD
Keynote Lecture | 8:00 – 9:00 AM
Each year begins with a guest lecture from a national leader in pediatric ophthalmology, often addressing topics like:
- Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP)
- Shaken Baby Syndrome and Retinal Hemorrhages
- Pediatric eye trauma
- Advanced approaches to complex strabismus cases
Speakers have included world-renowned experts from Duke, Johns Hopkins, Mayo Clinic, and more.
Interactive Case Discussions | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
After the keynote, the day shifts to its core: a full schedule of live case presentations. Attendees are invited to present unusual, difficult, or educational cases in short formats, sparking extended group discussion.
- Cases are presented in ~5-minute slots
- Emphasis on dialogue, differential diagnosis, and treatment approaches
- Welcoming format for both seasoned attendings and trainees
Why Attend Baker Day?
Baker Day is unlike any formal medical conference.
It’s an immersive, case-based educational forum focused on:
- Advancing diagnostic and surgical expertise
- Networking across institutions and borders
- Creating mentorship moments for trainees
- Improving care for complex pediatric and adult strabismus cases
“Some cases are so rare, you might only see one in your career. It’s a chance to ask questions and hear insights from people who’ve managed similar situations.”
Who Should Attend?
This event is designed only for:
- Pediatric Ophthalmologists
- Orthoptists and Orthoptic Students
- Pediatric Ophthalmology Fellows
- Ophthalmology Residents
Location
Children’s Hospital of Michigan, Detroit, MI
Centrally located for attendees from:
- Michigan
- Ohio
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Wisconsin
- Ontario, Canada
The Baker Lecture
In recent years, the event has been anchored by The John D. Baker, MD Pediatric Ophthalmology Lectureship, a named lectureship made possible by an educational endowment through Kresge Eye Institute. This honor allows us to invite top voices in pediatric ophthalmology to share their insights and research each year.
A Legacy of Learning
Baker Day is a tribute to the vision of Dr. Jack Baker, and a celebration of what makes pediatric ophthalmology special: collaboration, curiosity, and commitment to children.
“Baker Day is where friendships form, knowledge is shared, and tough cases meet brilliant minds.”
John D. Baker, MD Pediatric Ophthalmology Symposium 2027
Friday, May 14, 2027
Children’s Hospital of Michigan | Detroit, Michigan
2027 Baker Day Guest Lecturer: Jane C. Edmond, MD
Children’s Eye Care is pleased to welcome Jane C. Edmond, MD, as the featured guest lecturer for the 2027 John D. Baker, MD Pediatric Ophthalmology Symposium, affectionately known as Baker Day.
Dr. Edmond is a nationally recognized pediatric ophthalmologist and neuro-ophthalmologist with extensive experience in pediatric neuro-ophthalmology, strabismus, complex ocular motility disorders, craniofacial conditions, and neurologic diseases affecting vision. She serves as Chair of the Department of Ophthalmology at Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin and has held numerous national leadership positions in ophthalmology.
Her career has also included significant leadership within the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, including serving as President, as well as extensive teaching and mentorship of ophthalmology residents and fellows.
Difficult Cases. Shared Knowledge. Meaningful Impact.
For more than four decades, Baker Day has brought together pediatric ophthalmologists, orthoptists, fellows, residents and orthoptic students for a different kind of educational meeting.
Following the morning guest lecture, the focus turns to challenging and unusual clinical cases. Participants present real cases involving pediatric and adult strabismus, neuro-ophthalmology, complex ocular motility disorders, thyroid eye disease, diplopia and other difficult pediatric ophthalmology problems.
Rather than traditional lectures, cases are discussed collaboratively. Attendees share approaches, debate management options and learn from colleagues who may have encountered similar—or equally unusual—problems during their careers.
It is this informal, case-based format that has made Baker Day a longstanding tradition in pediatric ophthalmology education.
Who Should Attend Baker Day?
Baker Day is designed for pediatric ophthalmologists, orthoptists, pediatric ophthalmology fellows, ophthalmology residents and orthoptic students interested in complex pediatric ophthalmology, strabismus, adult strabismus and neuro-ophthalmology.
The meeting provides an opportunity to learn from experienced clinicians while connecting with colleagues and trainees from Michigan, the Midwest, Canada and beyond.
Save the Date
Friday, May 14, 2027
Children’s Hospital of Michigan
Detroit, Michigan
📩 Want to Attend or Present a Case?
For details on registration, email us at academic@cecmich.com
Baker Day is hosted by Children’s Eye Care at Children’s Hospital of Michigan and is supported by funding from The Children’s Foundation and Kresge Eye Institute.
